Marshalls urges US to help it combat human trafficking

The Marshall Islands Government says the United States should criticise less and help more with the country's human trafficking problem.

A report by the U.S Department of State released earlier this year said the Marshall Islands does not meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and is not making significant efforts to do so.

It says girls in the Marshalls are recruited by foreign business owners to engage in prostitution with crews of foreign fishing vessels that dock in Majuro.

A boat sitting at night in water in the Marshall Islands Photo: RNZI

The Foreign Minister John Silk says the US government should be specific about what needs to be done and help the Marshalls achieve it.

"Obviously we need additional assistance to help us out. If they feel we're short on resources then they should come up with some suggestions on how we can meet our commitments and how we can accomplish our goal and provide the resources."

John Silk says the Marshall Islands needs particular help prosecuting and investigating crimes of human trafficking.